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Our Top Picks:
- Touch Type Read Spell
- Math-U-See
- Explode the Code
- All About Reading & All About Spelling
- Beautiful Feet Books
- Simply Classical
Homeschooling high school students with special needs can be an incredibly rewarding and empowering experience. At this stage, it’s important to find a curriculum that not only supports their unique learning style and challenges but also prepares them for life after high school. Whether your student plans to pursue college, a trade, or another path, the right curriculum can make all the difference. Below are some of the best homeschool curriculums specifically suited for high school students with special needs.
Touch Type Read Spell (TTRS)
Best for: Building typing, reading, and spelling skills
Touch Type Read Spell (TTRS) is a multi-sensory typing program that simultaneously reinforces reading and spelling skills. This program is especially beneficial for high school students with dyslexia, processing disorders, or other learning challenges. By combining typing with literacy practice, TTRS helps students improve their reading and spelling abilities while also developing a valuable skill for the future. The repetitive nature of the lessons helps to build confidence, while the self-paced structure allows students to progress without pressure. Furthermore, gaining practical typing skills can support students in both higher education and future careers.
Math-U-See
Best for: Hands-on, mastery-based math learning
Math-U-See offers a clear, step-by-step approach to math that emphasizes mastery of each concept before moving on. The curriculum uses manipulatives, making abstract concepts more tangible for students who learn best through visual and tactile methods. The accompanying video lessons provide clear and consistent instruction, allowing students to work at their own pace. This method of teaching is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with abstract thinking or need extra time to fully understand new material. Additionally, the self-paced structure helps reduce anxiety by giving students control over their learning progress.
Explode the Code
Best for: Strengthening foundational reading and spelling skills
Although Explode the Code is typically designed for younger students, it can be incredibly useful for high school students who still struggle with phonics, reading fluency, or spelling. The curriculum uses a clear, predictable format that reduces anxiety for students who may become overwhelmed with complex material. The repetitive exercises help reinforce reading and spelling fundamentals while gradually building confidence. Additionally, the self-paced design allows students to progress according to their individual needs, giving them the space to master foundational skills without unnecessary pressure.
All About Reading & All About Spelling
Best for: Improving reading fluency and spelling accuracy
All About Reading and All About Spelling are highly structured, multi-sensory programs designed to build strong literacy skills. Although they are typically used with younger students, they can be very beneficial to high school students struggling with reading and spelling skills, especially those with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning challenges. The curriculum uses hands-on materials like letter tiles and provides scripted lesson plans that make it easier for parents to teach. The built-in review and repetitive practice help reinforce skills and build long-term retention. Because the lessons are clear and sequential, students gain confidence as they gradually master each step of the reading and spelling process. This consistency helps minimize overwhelm and provides measurable progress.
Beautiful Feet Books
Best for: Story-driven history, geography, and literature
Beautiful Feet Books offers a literature-based curriculum that uses high-quality, engaging books to teach history and geography content. This approach is particularly effective for high school students with special needs who may struggle with dense textbooks but thrive with story-driven learning. By reading living books and incorporating hands-on projects, students engage with history in a memorable and meaningful way. Additionally, the curriculum includes creative projects, writing assignments, and opportunities for critical thinking, helping students develop comprehension and expression skills. The flexible lesson plans also allow students to progress at a comfortable pace without feeling overwhelmed.
Simply Classical
Best for: High school students who benefit from clear structure and classical education methods, those looking for a complete special needs curriculum
Simply Classical by Memoria Press is a complete curriculum specifically designed for students with special needs who thrive in structured environments. This curriculum follows a classical education model, emphasizing literature, composition, history, and logic while providing clear, step-by-step lesson plans. The classical approach helps students develop critical thinking and strong communication skills, while the structured daily schedule reduces anxiety by setting clear expectations. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on repetition and mastery supports long-term retention of knowledge. Simply Classical also offers guidance for parents, making it easier to deliver high-quality instruction tailored to a student’s individual learning abilities.
Simply Classical incorporates Biblical references and a Christian worldview; however, these elements of the curriculum can easily be skipped or modified for secular homeschooling families.
Final Thoughs
Choosing the right homeschool curriculum for high school students with special needs is critical to helping them succeed academically while also preparing them for life beyond school. The best curriculums will accommodate their learning style, build their confidence, and provide opportunities to develop practical life skills. Whether your student is headed for college, vocational training, or another path, fostering their strengths and meeting their unique needs is key to their success. By combining multi-sensory learning, clear structure, and interest-driven subjects, you can ensure that your student gains the knowledge and skills they need to thrive — both academically and in life after graduation.